Jump Rope for Heart at Gibbs Raises Money and Awareness

We all know that Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day.  But it also is the worldwide campaign “Jump Rope for Heart Day” to raise funds for the American Heart Association. 

Since 1978, Jump Rope for Heart has been raising money to help the AHA support lifesaving research and educational programs.  In more than 30 years since the program began, millions of students have participated in this fun-filled event that combines fundraising with learning about the importance of heart-healthy habits-- Gibbs students certainly jumped their way to a healthy heart on Feb. 14!

This was the 11^th year that Gibbs School participated in the Jump Rope for Heart campaign.  Students were first sent home with an information packet about the event and instructions on how to start fundraising. 

Students could register on-line or bring in checks for the donated amount on or before the day of the event.  For every dollar amount they raised, there were prizes that could be won for their efforts.  Then, on Feb. 14, they started jumping!  The event lasted all day with each individual grade level coming down at their assigned time.   The students were paired up and took turns jumping for the entire period they were in the gymnasium which was about 40 minutes.

Gibbs physical education teachers, Mrs. Backo and Mr. Mongiardo did an awesome job in getting the kids excited and motivated to participate.  Weeks before the event took place, the Gibbs School hallways were lined with posters about the event. The kids started to practice jumping rope in their regular gym classes in preparation for this special day. 

While the AHA gives out their own prizes for monies raised, the kids who were the top 10 fundraisers will also be recognized by signing a banner that will hang in the gymnasium.  The school benefits from participating by receiving a gift certificate to be used for physical education equipment. 

As the day wrapped up and Gibbs students had jumped their hearts out, approximately $6,300 was raised for this fun and worthwhile cause.  I, myself, could not think of a better way of spending Valentine’s Day!   

If you would like to make a donation to the American Heart Association, you can do so by visiting their website.

Upcoming Gibbs School News:

• Gibbs Skate Night Friday, Feb. 25
• Sarah Weeks Author Visit Wednesday, March 2
• Eating of the Greens Thursday, March 17